Francois Latour has put together a team of dancing tractor drivers to promote world-record breaking plow event next year.
Farmers Forum staff
OTTAWA — François Latour and his “Dancing Tractors of St-Albert” troupe return for a series of performances in Eastern Ontario and Quebec.
The Casselman carpenter, known for his 2019 Guinness World Record for 243 antique threshing machines operating at one time, has rallied a crew of eight antique tractors and 12 operators for five shows. Beginning with the Athens Steam Show last month, the squad will rumble through performances in Notre-Dame du Nord, Quebec (Aug. 16-17), Bourget (Sept. 13), Notre-Dame de la Salette, Québec (Sept. 26-27), and Richmond (Oct. 4).
“It’s just for fun and to cover our expenses,” Latour said, noting the troupe’s rigorous Wednesday night practices. This is their second year showing their stuff in front of audiences.
A former square dancer who previously do-si-doed exclusively in his boots, Latour was inspired to go mechanized when he saw a similar tractor show at the 2003 International Plowing Match in Carleton Place. He spent two years perfecting the synchronized spins of his Massey Harris 22 and other small vintage tractors. “It’s demanding,” he admitted, emphasizing the precision needed to turn on a dime.
The performances are also intended to build momentum for Latour’s next Guinness World Record attempts in St. Albert next year. In back-to-back events scheduled Aug. 22-23, 2026, he aims to assemble the world’s largest gathering of 1,000 plowmen on the first day, followed by an attempt to create 80 furrows in one pass with connected farm machinery. It’s all to raise funds for breast cancer research.
“I’ve been to fairs in Quebec and Ontario, and everybody’s getting ready to help us,” Latour said, confident in the growing support. For more details, contact info@plow26.ca.
